Adsorptive Removal of As(V) from Aqueous Solution onto Steel Slag Recovered Iron – Chitosan Composite: Response Surface Modeling and Kinetics

In the present work iron particles was recovered by dry magnetic separation, from waste steel slag, doped with chitosan for adsorbent prepared, characterized and evaluated for the removal of As(V) from an aqueous solution. The adsorption of As(V) was optimized by using response surface methodology through Box-Behnken design model, which gave high correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.9175), and a predictive model of quadratic polynomial equation. Analysis of variance and Fischer's F-test were used to govern the parameters which interrupt the adsorption of As(V).The adsorbent was characterized by FTIR, XRD and SEM. Optimal conditions, including adsorbent dosage, pH, temperature, initial ion concentration and contact time for the removal of As(V), were found to be 0.8 g, pH 4, 308 K, 10 mg L−1 and 3 h, respectively. Langmuir isotherm model fitted better compared to the Freundlich model having a maximum adsorption capacity of 11.76 mg g−1, a high regression coefficient value of 0.993 and least chi-square value of 0.1959. The process was found to follow monolayer adsorption and pseudo-second-order kinetics. Thermodynamic parameters such as ∆S, ∆H and ∆G indicated the feasibility, spontaneous and endothermic nature of adsorption. Successful regeneration of the adsorbent implies its applicability to the removal of arsenic from real life wastewater

Direction of Arrival Estimation Using Underwater Acoustic Vector Sensor Array Towards Coastal Surveillance Applications

The objective of this paper is to present the performance of Direction of Arrival(DoA) estimation algorithms for underwater sound source localization using an acoustic Vector Sensor Array (VSA) that is developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai. Algorithms such as conventional beam forming, Multiple Signal Classification (MUSIC) with Eigen value decomposition, and MUSIC with Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) are used for estimation of DoA and performance study. An experiment has been conducted with the VSA at the Acoustic Test Facility of NIOT with the source transmission of 1 kHz to 5 kHz for different azimuth angles. The estimation of DoA using the above three algorithms and the comparison of the results on resolution and accuracy have been studied in detail in terms of the number of vector elements. Results reveal that the MUSIC method gives results with higher accuracy and resolution than the conventional method. The maximum deviation from the true angle in the conventional method is 4°; in MUSIC, it is 2°, whereas in MUSIC with SVD, it is 1°. While the standard MUSIC algorithm involves computing the eigenvectors of the covariance matrix, which can be computationally expensive, MUSIC with SVD provides a more efficient way to achieve better results. SVD enables straightforward computation of the signal subspace, making it more practical for real-time applications like coastal surveillance. Further to the laboratory experiment, the vector sensor system has been deployed in an open sea environment near the harbor and a known source experiment is carried out. The DoA estimated using MUSIC with SVD for the field data reveals that the results are in good comparison with the measured azimuth and elevation positions. The deviations in the field results are due to dynamic conditions of the ocean ,and more sea trials need to be carried out for further study

Critical current density of a sample of melt grown Y<SUB>1&#183;2</SUB>Ba<SUB>1&#183;8</SUB>Cu<SUB>2&#183;4</SUB>O<SUB>x</SUB>

Melt grown samples of Y1&#183;2Ba1&#183;8Cu2&#183;4Ox have been prepared and studied for their current carrying capacity. The composition was chosen to include Y2BaCuO5 (211) particles in the YBa2Cu3Ox (123) phase. The critical current density (Jc) of these samples was studied as a function of magnetic field using magnetization technique. The micrographic investigation shows well aligned grains in this material. The magnetic hysteresis measurements were done using a MPMS SQUID magnetometer up to the fields of 5.5 T. The Jc was estimated from the remanent magnetization using Bean model. Isothermal magnetization hysteresis loops at low fields reveal the presence of only one kind of hysteresis loops (corresponding to intragrain magnetizations). This is a valid proof that the weak links are greatly eliminated in these samples prepared by MG process. The Jc behaviour as a function of magnetic field has two components, a rapidly decaying exponential function of field and the other component that predominates at higher fields. This could be explained if we assume that the sample contains two phases of superconductors, one having a low Hc2 becoming normal at fairly medium fields of the order of a few kilogauss will act as pinning centres for the other phase having higher Hc2 and hence higher Jc at high fields

Comportamiento de híbridos intra e inter poblaciones entre líneas endocrinadas e implicaciones de estados resultados en el desarrollo de híbridos de maíz

Para desarrollar híbridos, buscamos progenitores que no estén emparentados y con patrones heteróticos opuestos. Cuando los patrones no están bien definidos, o la respuesta heterótica entre patrones existentes no es buena, en algunos materiales existe la posibilidad de desarrollar híbridos entre líneas del mismo material. El objetivo de este trabajo fué determinar el comportamiento de híbridos intra e interpoblacionales, entre líneas de Pool-19 y Pool-20 (Dialelo 1); líneas de Pob.32, 25 y Pool-23 (Dialelo 2); líneas de Pool-24 y Pob.21 (Dialelo 3); y líneas de Pob.21, Pool-23 y Pob.32 (Dialelo 4). Estos fueron evaluados en localidades de México, Centro América y Africa. También se evaluaron híbridos intra e interpoblacionales de experimentos que incluyeron líneas tropicales en cruza con cuatro probadores de las Poblaciones 21, 32, 25 y Pool-24. Los híbridos interpoblacionales fueron superiores en rendimiento sobre los intrapoblacionales de un 8,0 al 15,6%. En el estudio de líneas x probadores, los híbridos interpoblacionales también rindieron más que los híbridos intrapoblacionales. En los cuatro Dialelos, los mejores híbridos intrapoblacionales rindieron de 92,2 a 118,6% con respecto al mejor testigo. Esto indica que se pueden obtener híbridos intrapoblacionales interlineales de buen rendimiento. El estudio de líneas x probadores arrojo resultados similares

Biochar synthesis from mineral and ash-rich waste biomass, part 2: characterization of biochar and co-pyrolysis mechanism for carbon sequestration

The increase in mineral and ash-rich waste biomass (MWB) generation in emerging economies poses critical environmental problems and bottlenecks the solid waste and wastewater treatment systems. Transforming these MWB such as sewage sludge from wastewater treatment (SSW) to biochar can be a sustainable method for their disposal and resource recovery. However, such biochar has limited applicability due to the relatively low organic content and possibly contaminated nature of SSW. This may be offset through combined pyrolysis with other MWB, which can also support municipal solid waste management. Studies on this MWB co-pyrolysis are lacking and have not yet seen successful long-term implementation. This work is the second part of authors’ research encompassing an analytical and lab-scale investigation of biochar production from MWB through pyrolysis for the case of Chennai city, India. Here, the physicochemical properties of biochar derived from lab-scale co-pyrolysis of SSW with other MWB such as anaerobic digestate from waste to energy plants of food, kitchen or market waste fermentation, and banana peduncles (BP) collected from vegetable markets and their thermolysis mechanism are comprehensively investigated for purpose of carbon sequestration. Also, a novel preliminary investigation of the effect of sample weight (scaling effect) on the analytical pyrolysis of biomass (BP as model substrate) is undertaken to elucidate its impact on the heat of pyrolysis and carbon distribution in resultant biochar. The maximum carbon sequestration potential of the derived biochar types is 0.22 kg CO2 kg−1 biomass. The co-pyrolysis of MWB is exothermic and governed by the synergetic effects of the components in blends with emission profiles following the order CO2 > CH4 > CO > NH3. Co-pyrolysis reduced the heavy metal enrichment in SSW biochar. The derived biochars can be an immediate source of N, P and S in nutrient-deficient acidic soils. The biochar has only up to 4-ring polyaromatic compounds and a residence time longer than 1 h at 500 °C is necessary to improve carbonization. The heat released during analytical pyrolysis of the model biomass and distribution of carbon in the resultant biochar are significantly influenced by scaling effects, drawing attention to the need for a more detailed scaling investigation of biomass pyrolysis

Readmission and overstay after day case nasal surgery

BACKGROUND: A readmission is classified as a patient necessitating readmission to hospital due to a post-operative complication following discharge. An overstay however, is classified as a patient having to stay longer than the planned duration in hospital (not having been discharged in the interim) due to a post-operative complication. This study aims to investigate patient-related factors that predispose to readmission or overstay and thus make recommendations to decrease the likelihood of readmission or overstay. METHOD: In this retrospective study 312 'day-case nasal procedures', were selected from a total cohort of 4274 ENT patients over a 17-month period. This sub-group was investigated for a range of demographic factors including, age, gender and ethnicity with regards to their relationship to readmission rates and overstay frequency and duration. RESULTS: The rates were 2.88% and 9.62% for readmission and overstay respectively. The total number of days spent in hospital as a result of readmission was 27. Epistaxis was the leading cause for readmission/overstay (28.9%) followed by high levels of post-operative pain preventing them from being discharged (23.7%). All procedures in this study had readmission rates that were below those recommended in the guidelines set by the Royal College of Surgeons of England. Women overstayed significantly longer (t = 1.65, p < 0.05) than men. CONCLUSIONS: Suitable candidates for day-case ENT surgery highlighted by this study include healthy individuals between the ages of 20 and 60. Operating in the morning would increase the immediate post-operative recovery time, which may reduce the numbers of patients who complain of high levels of pain at the time of discharge. Procedures such as septorhinoplasty being performed routinely in the ambulatory setting require additional research into more effective methods of pain control. Standards need to be improved so that the causes of overstay and readmission are clearly identifiable in patient records

Hardware implementation of intelligent systems

interior, interior vie

Effect of L-Carnosine in Patients with Age-Related Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: L-carnosine has been found to have multimodal activity. Aim: The aim of this review was to find out the efficacy of L-carnosine in patients with age-related diseases. Methods: Clinical studies evaluated the effect of L-carnosine on cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders were searched in electronic bibliographic databases. The protocol has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022314033). The revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials was used to assess all of the reports for risk of bias. RevMan 5.4 was used to conduct the meta-analysis. Results: Following the screening process, 14 papers were selected for systematic review, with 9 of them being qualified for meta-analysis. Many of the included studies showed that L-carnosine has potential therapeutic activity in age related diseases. Results from the meta-analysis showed that in diabetes mellitus, HbA1c [mean difference (MD) 95% CI = –1.25 (–2.49, –0.022); p = 0.05; p = 0.001; I 2 = 85%] and fasting blood sugar (FBS) [MD 95% CI = –12.44 (–22.44, –2.44); p = 0.01; p = 0.40; I 2 = 0%] and in neurodegenerative disorder, Wechsler Memory Scale Logical Memory 2 (WMS-LM2) [MD 95% CI = 1.34 (0.83, 1.85); p < 0.00001; p = 0.43; I 2 = 0%], showed statistically significant difference, favoring the L-carnosine group over the control group. While in neurodegenerative disorder, Alzheimer ’s Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS) [MD 95% CI = 0.98 (–1.55, –0.42); p = 0.0007; p = 0.86; I 2 = 0%] and Back Depression Inventory (BDI) [MD 95% CI = –1.12 (–1.87, –0.37); p = 0.003; p = 0.73; I 2 = 0%] showed statistically significant difference, favoring the control group over L-carnosine group. Conclusions: Clinical studies were conducted to manage chemotherapy induced toxicities and there are no clinical studies available for its anti-cancer use, and the current evidence does not support its use in the treatment of cardiovascular disease

Persistence of G10P[11] neonatal rotavirus infections in southern India

BACKGROUND: Neonatal rotavirus infections are predominantly caused by distinct genotypes restricted to this age-group and are mostly asymptomatic. METHOD: Stool samples from neonates admitted for >48 h in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Vellore (2014–2015) and Chennai (2015–2016) in southern India, and from neonates born at hospitals in Vellore but not admitted to NICUs (2015–2016) were tested for rotavirus by ELISA and genotyped by hemi-nested RT-PCR. RESULTS: Of 791 neonates, 150 and 336 were recruited from Vellore and Chennai NICUs, and 305 were born in five hospitals in Vellore. Positivity rates in the three settings were 49.3% (74/150), 29.5% (99/336) and 54% (164/305), respectively. G10P[11] was the commonly identified genotype in 87.8% (65/74), 94.9% (94/99) and 98.2% (161/164) of the neonates in Vellore and Chennai NICUs, and those born at Vellore hospitals, respectively. Neonates delivered by lower segment cesarian section (LSCS) at Vellore hospitals, not admitted to NICUs, had a significantly higher odds of acquiring rotavirus infection compared to those delivered vaginally [p = 0.002, OR = 2.4 (1.4–4.3)]. CONCLUSIONS: This report demonstrates the persistence of G10P[11] strain in Vellore and Chennai, indicating widespread neonatal G10P[11] strain in southern India and their persistence over two decades, leading to interesting questions about strain stability

Upregulation of miR-196b Confers a Poor Prognosis in Glioblastoma Patients via Inducing a Proliferative Phenotype

PURPOSE: To explore the expression pattern, prognostic value and functional role of miR-196b in glioblastoma (GBM) patients using large cohorts. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: MiR-196b expression was measured using the Human v2.0 miRNA Expression BeadChip (Illumina) in 198 frozen glioma tissues. The expression levels of miR-196b were also validated in an independent cohort containing 128 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) glioma samples using qRT-PCR. The presence of other molecular prognostic indicators was assessed centrally in the glioma samples. Whole genome gene profiling was performed to investigate the underlying biological behavior. MiR-196b functional analyses were performed in U87 and U251 cell lines. RESULTS: The expression levels of miR-196b were inversely correlated with overall survival in GBM patients. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that the gene sets relating to cell cycle were significantly enriched in the cases with miR-196b overexpression. Functional analyses in U87 and U251 cells revealed that miR-196b was involved in cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-196b is overexpressed and confers a poor prognosis via promoting cellular proliferation in GBM patients